Changes in sexual behaviour have resulted in longer
periods of multiple serial or concurrent relationships. This study
investigated the effects of multiple heterosexual partners on
mental health, specifically, whether higher numbers of partners
were linked to later anxiety, depression, and substance dependency.
Data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and
Development Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of a birth
cohort born in 1972–1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand were used.
Therelationshipbetweennumbersofsexpartnersoverthreeage
periods (18–20, 21–25, and 26–32 years) and diagnoses of
anxiety, depression, and substance dependence disorder at 21,
26, and 32 years were examined, using logistic regression.
Interaction by gender was examined. The adjustment was made for
prior mental health status. There was no significant association
between a number of sex partners and later anxiety and
depression. Increasing numbers of sex partners were associated
with increasing risk of substance dependence disorder at all
three ages. The association was stronger for women and
remainedafteradjustingforpriordisorder.For women reporting
2.5 or more partners per year, compared to 0–1 partners, the
adjusted odd ratios (and 95 % CIs) were 9.6 (4.4–20.9), 7.3
(2.5–21.3), and 17.5 (3.5–88.1) at 21, 26, and 32 years, respectively.
Analyses using new cases of these disorders showed
similar patterns. This study established a strong association
between the number of sex partners and later substance disorder,
especially for women, which persisted beyond prior substance
use and mental health problems more generally. The reasons for
this association deserve investigation
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